Sydney, October 25, 2025 - The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a special moment today as Virat Kohli walked out to bat in the third ODI against Australia, possibly for the last time on Australian soil, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. With India not scheduled to tour Australia in the near future, this could be the end of an era for the 36-year-old.

Kohli has a strong connection with Australia, consistently performing well against the Aussies. He has scored over 5000 runs against them at an average of nearly 50, including over 3600 runs in Australia, averaging slightly above 50.

Coming into this match, Kohli was in an unusual slump, having recorded ducks in the previous two ODIs. As he walked to the crease, the tension was palpable. However, after scoring his first run, he celebrated with a grin and a fist pump. This showed his determination to overcome the doubts about whether he could still perform at his best, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.

Earlier in the day, India restricted Australia to 237, thanks to Harshit Rana's four wickets. Kohli also contributed in the field. When Kohli came to bat in the 11th over, the crowd cheered as he scored a single off Josh Hazlewood. This one run was significant, representing the connection between the player and the venue.

The standing ovation and the celebration of his first run highlighted Kohli's impact on the game and his special relationship with the Australian crowd. Nathan Lyon once said that Kohli has the Aussie fight in him, and the Australian crowds acknowledge it every time he plays in front of them. Despite the uncertainty about his future, Kohli's performance in this innings showed his resilience and passion for the game.